Black History Month profile: Elected official Hattie Mae White

Celebrating Black History Month

JENNIFER RADCLIFFE, HOUSTON CHRONICLE |
February 14, 2011

Hattie Mae White fought for desegregation and racial equality while serving on the Houston school board.

Hattie Mae White earned a spot in history by becoming the first black elected to public office in Texas since Reconstruction.

The mother of five decided to run for the Houston Independent School District board after hearing another parent announce that it was not time yet for a black to hold the office.

Her 1958 victory, which shocked the conservative political establishment, wasn't without incident. White's car windshield was splintered by air rifle pellets and a gasoline-soaked cross was set ablaze in her yard after the election.

White spent nine years on the school board, championing desegregation and racial equality during her nine years as a school board member. Conservatives eventually defeated her bid for reelection in 1967.

White graduated as valedictorian from Booker T. Washington High School and earned her degree from Prairie View A&M University. She spent several years teaching before marrying optometrist Charles E. White in 1941. The couple had five children.

She eventually returned to teaching, retiring at the age of 70. White was 77 when she died in 1993.